Elise's Fitness Fun

Confronting the Elements

Long story, but I was not able to get to the Y today while it was open. This left me with the choice of bagging my run or doing it in the rain. Earlier in the day, I had decided to bag it. Then, I read Jim Thornton's post on the weight reduction thread which discussed the correlation between body fat and speed in sprints among female swimmers. This was enough motivation for me to go for a 4 mile run in the rain. Had it been in the forties or below, I know I would not have done it.

Running in the rain in fifty degrees or above is actually quite enjoyable if you are dressed for it. It keeps you cool the entire time and washes away the sweat. So, I donned a long-sleeve shirt, my tights, laced up my shoes, and headed out the door. When I started out, there was just drizzle. Throughout the run, it alternated between drizzle and a steady downpour. I thought about the normal guy the other day that made the comment that it was too hot to run. I wonder what he would think is more OCD - running 4 miles in 80 degrees or running 4 miles in 55 degrees with pouring rain.

This run really felt pretty good and I was once again encouraged that I didn't have any knee problems or lower back issues. This has somewhat been a light week, but I will take it. My running seems to be feeling a little bit better.

I'm debating deck entering St. Pats in Atlanta and doing the 500 free and 100 free on Sunday. I don't have any expectations, but just want to stay in meet shape. I may do a time trial in practice next week to see where I am on my 500 free.